Description
Creamy “marry me chicken” elevates weeknight dinners with irresistible Italian-inspired flavors. Rich parmesan sauce and tender chicken promise romantic meal magic you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 chicken thighs)
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Liquid and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, drained if packed in oil)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening, optional)
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by gently patting it dry and generously coating with a robust blend of aromatic seasonings, ensuring each piece is thoroughly seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and a hint of smoked paprika.
- Develop rich flavor layers by quickly searing the seasoned chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil, creating a golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and intensifies the taste profile – aim for 2-3 minutes per side without fully cooking the meat.
- Transfer the partially seared chicken into the crock pot, carefully arranging the pieces to maximize even cooking and flavor distribution, then introduce minced garlic, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and a splash of savory chicken broth.
- Allow the slow cooker to work its magic, covering and cooking the chicken on low temperature for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, transforming the meat into a tender, succulent centerpiece.
- Elevate the dish’s richness by incorporating velvety heavy cream, nutty Parmesan cheese, fragrant basil, and earthy oregano, stirring gently to create a luxurious sauce. For those desiring a more substantial consistency, whisk cornstarch with water and fold into the mixture, letting it simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
- Present the dish with a flourish, adorning it with fresh basil leaves and a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese, then serve alongside complementary accompaniments like pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy rice.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and lock in those delicious flavors.
- Customize the spice level by adjusting red pepper flakes – use a pinch for mild heat or go bold with a generous sprinkle.
- Transform this dish into a low-carb meal by serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg